Sanwo-Olu Steps Up as President from GAC Vice President
President Bola Tinubu has officially backed Dr. Obafemi Hamzat as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Lagos State. This endorsement was announced by Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga via the verified social media handle @aonanuga1956.
In his announcement, Onanuga revealed that Tinubu’s endorsement came during a meeting with members of the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Hamzat, who currently serves as the Deputy Governor of Lagos, is now positioned to be the party’s candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election.
The GAC, which declared Hamzat as the consensus candidate earlier this week, convened at the State House around 5 PM on the day of the announcement, engaging in closed-door discussions with President Tinubu. Attendees included Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Chief of Staff to the President Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and several prominent party figures.
Speaking to reporters post-meeting, Hamzat expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet with the president and mentioned that a team led by Orsi had facilitated the introduction. He acknowledged the wisdom of the GAC leaders, referring to them as seasoned mentors who have witnessed significant milestones in governance.
When questioned about his preparedness for the upcoming gubernatorial election, Hamzat recognized the challenges ahead but conveyed confidence grounded in his experience. He noted, “Although no one is truly ready, the experience from serving as deputy governor has equipped me well. I understand the dynamics of governance and administration in Lagos.”
Hamzat elaborated on this, stating that having knowledge of the operational aspects of governance is crucial for effective leadership. He emphasized, “If you want to serve the people, you must understand the environment in which you operate. Fortunately, I have the backing of respected leaders here, which alleviates my concerns.”
Mr. Orsi, addressing dissent from other aspirants, including APC veteran Samuel Ajose, defended the legitimacy of the consensus agreement. He remarked on the importance of collaboration within the political sphere and how varying opinions are part of a democratic process. “We have a history of working together to ensure our goals are met. While people are entitled to their views, those views do not affect our collective decisions,” he stated.
Despite the consensus backing for Hamzat, the APC leadership reiterated its commitment to conducting a gubernatorial primary on May 21, 2026, in accordance with the party’s guidelines. The nomination process for candidates will conclude on May 4, ensuring a fair competitive landscape for all contenders.
